At the inauguration of a new water purification project at Shri Hanumangiri High School and Junior College in Pusegaon, educationist Irrfann Aawate highlighted a message that has been gaining importance across the country – the urgent need for skill-based education. The event, organised by the Rotary Club of Elite, brought together teachers, community members and students, creating the right space for a conversation on how schools must prepare children not only for exams, but for real challenges outside the classroom.
When a senior educator like Aawate uses a public platform to speak about it, especially during the launch of a project that directly improves school infrastructure, it becomes a reminder of what our education system must focus on. Understanding why skill-based education matters, how schools can adopt it and what examples already exist can help us look at the future of schooling in a more practical and meaningful way.
Why skill-based education is becoming essential
Aawate said that students should not only learn from textbooks, but also develop hands-on abilities that prepare them for life. This includes communication skills, basic problem-solving, teamwork and vocational exposure. According to him, schools need to integrate activities where students can apply what they learn.
Many educators have observed that:
- Students find it difficult to connect theory with real-world situations
- Practical knowledge increases confidence and interest in learning
- Skill-based learning encourages creativity instead of memorisation
- It prepares students for changing job markets
These points show that skill-based learning helps build independent thinkers rather than passive learners.
The role of schools in building real-world competencies
Schools can introduce skill-based activities without disturbing the regular syllabus. Some practical methods include:
- Setting up small projects or community tasks
- Allowing students to participate in discussions and presentations
- Teaching basic financial literacy, digital skills or environmental awareness
- Including vocational workshops in the timetable
Schools that follow such practices report better student engagement and improved classroom discipline because students feel they are learning something meaningful.
Importance of community-linked projects
The newly inaugurated water purification project itself is an example of how learning extends beyond the classroom. Such initiatives show students:
- How technology can solve daily needs
- Why clean water is important for health
- How community organisations and schools can work together
- The process of planning and implementing a real project
Aawate added that when students see these examples, they gain inspiration to think about solutions for their own surroundings.
How teachers can support skill development
Teachers play the biggest role in shaping the mindset of students. They can encourage skill-based learning by:
- Asking open-ended questions instead of simple recall-based questions
- Allowing students to express ideas through activities or models
- Giving small responsibilities in class
- Connecting textbook topics with local examples
Even simple classroom practices, like asking students to explain a concept to their peers, improve communication and confidence.
